This is one of a set of five paintings (RCINs 402691-4 & 402701), all based on Jean Perrissin after Jacques Tortorel, Histoires diverse qui sont mémorables touchant les Guerres, Massacres & Troubles advenus en France en ces dernières années, a set of 41 plates (39 illustrations, plus title page and foreward), which exist in different etched versions in French, Latin, German and Italian. Perrissin and Tortorel signed their contract on 23 July 1569. There was also a set of woodcuts made for a cheaper market. Though the subject matter is entirely French, these five paintings have inscriptions in German, which suggests that they were produced in that country. There is no way of knowing if they are part of a larger or even a ‘complete’ set, but the subjects chosen highlight the persecution of Huguenots by Catholics, which suggests that they were commissioned for a Protestant and explains why they might have appealed to Prince Albert.

This depcts the plate from Jean Perrissin after Jacques Tortorel, Histoires diverse entitled Obitus regi Henrici ii huisus nomins Parisiis ad Turriculas die x Iulii 1559 (BM 1920,0427.3) woodcut 32 x 50, 1569-75. Henry II died as a result of jousting accident celebrating the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559; his death brought about the regency of Catherine de Medici (which is why it forms part of the story of the persecution of the Huguenots). In this death bed scene the King is lying at the left, dressed in white, courtiers surrounding the bed, others standing around the table; halberdiers stand on the right; landscape viewed through the window on the right.